Rent and living expenses

We want to hear from you: please tell us about your experience of the online community.

Shaun71

Hi, need some advice please. So my Adult disabled son has lived with us (his parents) throughout his life. He has Autism and Learning disability. He receives PIP and hopefully will also soon receive basic Universal credit. This together will be around £150 weekly. He doesn't really understand money other than knowing we use it to get things he needs. Obviously there is a cost to keeping him in clothes, food, constant electricity etc etc and up to now we have used his pip for these things. His Benefits have always been paid into our bank account since he was a child but I'm concerned now that this could look like we are taking advantage and keeping his money. I've eventually managed to get him a bank account and will get his benefits paid into his own account very soon.

So that's the background. I have 2 questions. Firstly what is a reasonable amount to take from a 24 year old to cover rent, food etc while he continues to live with us? Secondly, how best can he use what he has left so that he doesn't end up saving too much that Social care will take it from him?

calcotti

Have you considered whether it would be appropriate to be his appointee?
https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits

As to spending amounts that is obviously dependant on lifestyle.

PIP is not affected by capital. UC will only be affected if capital exceeds £6,000 at which stage there is a deduction of £34.35/month for every £250 or part thereof over £6,000. At £16,000 entitled to UC ends.